Senior Civil Land Development Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Civil Engineering Leader | Land Development

Newport Beach, CA | Hybrid

Most civil engineering roles ask you to manage projects.

This one asks you to help shape the future of an engineering organization.

A growing land development consulting firm is seeking a Senior engineering leader who can serve as a trusted technical resource, mentor developing engineers, and help drive the next stage of company growth.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, guiding professionals, influencing technical standards, and having a direct seat at the table with executive leadership.

If you've ever felt capable of contributing beyond project execution and want greater influence on how an organization operates, develops talent, and delivers projects, this role was built for that type of professional.

What You'll Do

• Lead private land development projects from planning through delivery
• Serve as a Senior technical resource for engineers and project teams
• Mentor and coach developing engineers
• Review engineering work and provide technical guidance
• Support grading, drainage, utility, site development, and entitlement efforts
• Coordinate with agencies, consultants, contractors, and clients
• Help establish engineering standards and best practices
• Make sound engineering and business decisions with a high degree of autonomy
• Partner directly with executive leadership on project strategy, team development, and operational improvement
• Play a meaningful role in the long-term growth of the organization

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of civil engineering experience
• Strong background in private land development
• Experience leading projects and engineering teams
• Proven ability to mentor and develop staff
• Client-facing consulting experience
• Strong understanding of grading, drainage, utilities, entitlement, and site development processes
• Ability to make decisions confidently and independently
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• High level of ownership, accountability, and professional integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license preferred (any state)
• California PE welcomed but not required
• Experience reviewing and approving engineering work
• AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency
• Experience with commercial, retail, industrial, multifamily, mixed-use, or similar land development projects

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is not a traditional project management position.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Influence technical direction and engineering standards
• Mentor and develop the next generation of engineers
• Work directly with executive leadership
• Help create scalable engineering systems and processes
• Gain visibility across the entire organization
• Participate in a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial environment
• Enjoy significant opportunity for long-term growth and leadership advancement

The Ideal Candidate

You might be a fit if:

• Your colleagues naturally seek you out for advice
• Clients trust your judgment
• You balance technical excellence with project delivery
• You enjoy coaching and developing others
• You take ownership of outcomes
• You understand that engineering is ultimately about helping projects move successfully from concept to completion

You're looking for a role where your influence extends beyond your own project list

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

• Annual Bonus: Up to 10% • Flexibility available for exceptional candidates who demonstrate the leadership, technical judgment, and long-term value CDR is seeking.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Costa Mesa,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.